TLDR: Writing about happy moments allows you to relive them, and it can also rewire your brain for happiness.
It’s Yom Kippur. Time to reflect.
Instead of a public atonement though, we’ll keep the reflection a little bit lighter for the sake of the Monday Morning Meeting.
About five years ago I went to a bachelor party.
Rather than the typical hungover flight home from a weekend like that, I left Tulum feeling as motivated and grateful as ever. On the plane, I opened up my Notes app and jotted down some life mottos to take forward when I got home.
Last night in Amsterdam, I was reminded of this very moment, and as it just so happens, I’m once again writing on a plane as I head home.
Looking for some MMM inspiration, I was reading through old Notes and stumbled across those little mottos, so I thought it was too serendipitous not to share.
Here’s what it said:
Life mottos
Work hard
Live slow
Seek adventure
Be bold
Be nice
Eat simple
Workout more
Love yourself
Appreciate everything
Dream big
Love life
The last one might be redundant, or perhaps should be the title, but nevertheless, they’re still as true as ever.
The interesting thing about writing positive notes to yourself is that it’s one of the five scientifically proven practices of positive psychology that improve happiness, creativity, and optimism.
The reason is pretty simple: while you’re writing and rereading positive thoughts, it allows you to relive those happy moments and reinforces them as positive memories to rewire your brain for the better.
The other four practices are gratitude, exercise, meditation, and long walks in nature.
Try it.
See you Monday.